AYSC - A Younger Set Competes
July 1962 American Modeler

July 1962 American Modeler Table of Contents Aeromodeling has seen significant changes over the decades both in technology and preferences. Magazines like American Aircraft Modeler, American Modeler, and Air Trails were the best venues for capturing snapshots of the status quo of the day. All copyrights are hereby acknowledged.

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has forever been on a mission to promote, encourage, and facilitate youth activity in model aviation. Part of the organization's charter is to educate citizens about aviation and aerospace in general , and the modeling aspect of it in particular. A big deal is always made - appropriately so - when a large contingent of kids participate in a contest of some sort. Unfortunately, as time goes by there is less and less youthful engagement in modeling, not just of aircraft but of rockets, cars, boats, trains, etc. Hands-on craftsmanship waning and the ability of most boys or girls to use a construction tool correctly - or even to be able to identify a particular tool for that matter - is rapidly disappearing. The bounty of pre-made products negates the need for such skills as a prerequisite for enjoying the functional part of a hobby. If there is an upside to the saga, it is that there is probably a higher average level of flying skill out there today since modelers are able to spend more time flying and less time building. 

AYSC - A Younger Set Competes

By J. Schneider and C. Smith

Time was when the Air Youth State Championship program seemed to have more critics than competitors. Most of that has changed, we're glad to report; 1962 should see a lot more younger, novice modelers participating.

Memorable photos from previous AYSC meets include these that show (clockwise from above) Billie Marie Schuman, 6 years old; New York Air National Guard's Brigadier General Vito Castellano with state event division winners; Kentucky's state champ Kenny Brunch and Dad groom twin-boom original original: Hawaii's Gary Yonamine, his Dad, and "Shoestring" wait between Nats flights.

Posted July 6, 2014